CBN for Sleep

What Does CBN Do for Sleep?

Manufacturers of sleep aids that contain CBN claim cannabinol can bring on drowsiness. Anecdotally, people claim that aged cannabis products have more CBN and therefore tend to make a person feel sleepy. However, there are few high-quality studies that specifically examine the effects of CBN for sleep. 

The limited scientific evidence in favor of using cannabinol for sleep comes mostly from small studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. In one of these studies, CBN on its own had little to no effect on sleepiness Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , but participants did feel drowsier when they took CBN together with THC.

Although cannabis products like CBN show promise for helping people fall asleep quicker and stay asleep through the night, additional high-quality research is needed to understand the potential effects of cannabinoids on sleep.

CBN vs. CBD

Both cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) are cannabinoids that can be isolated from the cannabis plant. CBN and CBD both act on receptors in the endocannabinoid system Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . The endocannabinoid system is involved in a variety of functions in the body including regulating appetite, pain, and immune system functioning. 

Although CBN was the first cannabinoid isolated in research Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , CBD is a more common subject of research. CBD has been widely researched for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, as well as its potential role in pain management and calming anxiety. Research suggests that CBD may also be beneficial for sleep Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . Whereas CBD is not psychoactive, CBN is considered minimally psychoactive.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved forms of CBD and synthetic THC for use in treating seizures, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in specific situations. So far, no products containing CBN have been approved for medical use by the FDA.

Effects of CBN 

Although less researched than other cannabinoids, cannabinol has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. Although some of this research is promising, more studies are needed Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source on the short- and long-term effects of CBN and other cannabinoids.

Benefits of CBN

Research into the benefits of cannabinol is in its early stages and there are no well-established uses of this cannabinoid. However, experts are hopeful that CBN may have the potential for:

• Inducing sleepiness
• Helping with pain management
• Boosting appetite
• Supporting the immune system Trusted Source National Cancer Institute (NCI) The NCI is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. View Source
• Fighting inflammation
• Managing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Slowing tumor growth Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Treating glaucoma Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source

Some research has investigated the potential benefits of combining CBN with other compounds in the cannabis plant Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . For example, ongoing studies are investigating whether cannabinoids in combination with terpenes Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source might enhance the benefits of each substance. Terpenes are substances in the cannabis plant that affect its smell and taste.

Risks of CBN

There is little research on the risks of CBN in humans, so researchers are unsure of the side effects of CBN and potentially harmful interactions with other medications.

Though not specific to CBN, research has shown that using cannabis and cannabinoids might contribute to risks such as:

• Dizziness or head rush after standing up 
• Dry mouth 
• Paranoia or memory problems 
• Unsafe driving 
• Problems for a developing fetus 
• Cannabis use disorder 
• A higher risk of injury for older adults 
• The development of severe mental illness for those already at risk 
• Problematic interactions with other drugs Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Exacerbating pre-existing liver or kidney problems. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source

There is insufficient evidence to say whether some or all of the same side effects might occur when taking only CBN. Research has found that using cannabinoids together with other sleep-promoting substances such as L-tryptophan, valerian, melatonin, or alcohol Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source may raise the risk of excessive sleepiness Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source .

Cannabinoid products lack strict regulation. As a result, CBN products may contain impurities such as bacteria and heavy metals, small amounts of THC, or a different dosage from what is stated on the label. Additionally, since CBN is a byproduct of THC, there is a risk of a CBN product showing up on a drug test for THC Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Taking CBN as a Sleep Aid

Because there is limited research on the use of CBN, there are no research-based guidelines for using cannabinol as a sleep aid. This can make it difficult to determine proper dosing when using products such as CBN oil or CBN gummies for sleep.

If you are interested in using CBN or other cannabinoids to help you sleep, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor may be able to help you find a reputable product, set a safe dose, and determine whether CBN is appropriate based on your individual needs.

Sometimes, sleep problems arise due to a sleep disorder or another health condition. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. They can assess your symptoms, order any needed tests, and determine the appropriate treatment if needed.